The Effect of Temperature on Concrete Strength
Temperature control makes a tremendous difference in early concrete strength performance. In cold weather, concrete temperatures should be controlled with powerblanket™ concrete curing blankets to ensure proper compressive strengths are reached as soon as possible. The sooner the concrete reaches the proper strength, the sooner the construction process can continue.
Here's a breakdown of strength gains after three days at various temperatures:
Temperature – Compressive Strength (psi)
70°F – 2,700
60°F – 2,150
50°F – 1,600
40°F – 1,200
30°F – 850
20°F – 400
To ensure optimal concrete strength, here are some tips for cold weather placements:
- Use a heated or warm concrete mix.
- Don't allow the concrete to freeze - use powerblanket™ concrete curing blankets to control temperature.
- Don't place concrete on a frozen sub-grade - use powerblanket™ concrete curing blankets to control temperature.
- Protect concrete from excessive drying.
- Incorporate accelerators to maintain strength and normal set time.
- Avoid rapid changes in concrete temperature with powerblanket™ concrete curing blankets.
